Why I think creative hibernation is important

It’s been a busy old year. So many exciting things have happened, my artistic practice has come on in leaps and bounds and I have been making, making, making!

I’ve also been facilitating lots of groups, witnessed people’s creativity expanding, met lots of different kinds of people through my community work and been inspired by the way they approach art making.

I’ve recently been thinking a lot about creative hibernation, or down time. As artists we tend to think we should be making all of the time. When I’ve had periods where ideas don’t seem to come to me or I feel stuck, I have tried to push through it, and motivating myself can be really tough, leading to me feeling bad about myself.

This year though I am embracing this period as a chance to process what I’ve been doing. Consciously and unconsciously. And I’m starting to see my creativity and art practice as something that moves in cycles, just as nature does.

Here’s some things I’ll be doing over winter to honor this period of the cycle;

Having a lot of rest.

Connecting with friends and family.

Organising my supplies, tidying up ready for the new period of creating to begin.

Reading a lot around the themes I’ve been interested in over the year.

Reviewing my year and choosing my word of the year – so I’m able to consciously choose what my 2016 might feel like.

Making connections and looking at the work I’ve been producing.

Writing and discussing ideas.

How do you feel about your practice at this time of year? I’d love you to share any things that you do (or don’t do) when you’re in a period of creative rest! See you on the other side!